Sleep Sweet Spot

Ever find yourself lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, and wondering why your brain won't switch off? This episode explores how dyslexia can twist our sleep patterns, leaving us in a tug of war between getting loads of rest or none at all.

The chat digs into why our minds sometimes feel stuck in overdrive and offers a few ideas on how to spot patterns behind the chaos. If you're wrestling with unpredictable bedtimes, you might find some relief—and a bit of camaraderie—by understanding what others experience too.

Sleep Struggles With Dyslexia

Dyslexia can affect more than just reading and writing. Our brains sometimes hyperfocus on thoughts or tasks—like reading articles at midnight—when we’d prefer to be dreaming. It’s easy to blame yourself for not following a perfect sleep schedule, but the truth is that many dyslexic adults face the same hurdles.

In this episode, I unveil how your mind might click on at the wrong moment. I also discuss how we can let go of the guilt that crops up when we’re still online at 3 AM. At the core, it’s not laziness or lack of discipline. It’s part of how our self-regulation works (or doesn't) when we have dyslexia.

Understanding the Faulty On/Off Switch

Ever had that moment when you finally lie down, only to feel a rush of ideas pop up? That's the hallmark of a faulty switch. It doesn't flip nicely like it seems to for others. Before you know it, you’re wrapped in a stream of thoughts that keep you awake.

As I said in the podcast:

“My dyslexic brain seems to have a faulty on/off switch. Sometimes I get lots of sleep, other times nowhere near enough.”

It’s a vivid example of how our minds can be in web-browsing mode all night. When the ‘tabs’ in our heads won’t close, we often end up in a spiralling loop of restlessness. Recognising the signs can help us avoid beating ourselves up over it.

Searching for Patterns

One thing we dive into is noticing how small details in our day can shift our sleeping habits. Did you drink a late-night coffee? Did you have an emotionally intense evening? These factors can trigger the hyper-focused state that keeps our brains busy when they should be winding down.

Try asking yourself questions like these:

• Did anything stress me out earlier?
• Have I eaten or drunk something that energised me unexpectedly?
• Am I feeling guilty about something I should have done but didn’t?

These might seem straightforward, but identifying a pattern can help you make small tweaks—like swapping that late cappuccino for herbal tea or dealing with tasks earlier in the day when your brain’s more cooperative.

Practical Ways to Adjust

If you want to nudge your brain into slumber, consider simple shifts. The idea isn’t to become a 5 AM yoga guru overnight but to create a supportive environment. I mention a few strategies that can curb the mental toss-and-turn:

1. Set gentle bedtime alarms. This isn't about being strict but offering your mind a chance to prepare for rest.
2. Experiment with calming routines. For example, read something light or journal briefly about your day.
3. Use gentle reminders to stop screen time. A phone timer or a friend’s nudge can keep you from scrolling at 1 AM.

These aren’t cures, but they can ease the process. Making slow, manageable steps is often more effective than trying to overhaul your entire routine in one go. Dyslexia doesn’t vanish overnight, and neither will the sleep quirks that come with it. Still, small tweaks can help you avoid sleepless nights.

Another idea is to keep a little notepad next to your bed. If fresh thoughts appear, jot them down quickly so they don’t keep swirling in your mind. That way, you offload the mental load and can return to your quest for sleep.

Key Takeaways

• Sleep troubles are common among dyslexic adults—try not to blame yourself.
• Notice triggers like stress or late-night caffeine that might fuel your sleeplessness.
• Aim for gentle bedtime alarms or wind-down rituals to coax your mind into resting.
• Experiment with small changes, like stopping screen time early or journaling before bed.
• Keep a notepad near your bed to capture runaway thoughts and free your mind.

If these tips resonate, or if you simply want to hear more about the on/off switch in action, have a listen to the full episode above. You’ll get a deeper dive into the ups and downs of managing dyslexia and sleep, plus a friendly voice reminding you that you're not alone in this unpredictable journey.